SpiceJet delays two Delhi–Dubai flights by over 24 hours, triggering passenger protests

Around 200 passengers were affected after SpiceJet delayed SG 5111 and SG 5105 from Delhi to Dubai following an aircraft grounding. The disruption adds pressure on the carrier amid ongoing scrutiny of its operational and financial stability.

— Source publishedTue, 15 Sept, 2026, 15:23 IST·First seen Tue, 15 Sept, 2026, 16:24 IST·Source NDTV Profit

What happened

SpiceJet delayed two Delhi-Dubai flights for over 24 hours after an aircraft grounding, prompting protests by about 200 passengers at Delhi airport. The carrier

Key facts

  • Around 200 passengers
  • 2 affected flights: SG 5111 and SG 5105
  • Delays exceeded 24 hours
  • SG 5111 was scheduled for 7:45 am on September 14 and later moved to 9 am on September 15
  • SG 5105 was scheduled for 6:45 pm on September 14

Why this matters

SpiceJet’s 24-hour-plus Delhi–Dubai delays underscore the need to strengthen fleet availability, contingency planning and passenger communications on high-stakes international routes.

What to watch

  • Additional Delhi-Dubai or other international cancellations lasting more than 6-12 hours.
  • DGCA statements, inspections, penalties, or directives related to fleet reliability and passenger treatment.
  • Aircraft grounding updates, engine/maintenance delays, lease disputes, or changes in active fleet count.
  • Spike in refund complaints, social-media backlash, or travel-agent advisories against booking SpiceJet.
  • Sustained fare discounting, declining load factors, or competitor capacity additions on India-UAE routes.